Introduction

Dendrophilini as a taxon is presently in limbo. It has generally been considered to contain two genera, Dendrophilus and Kissister. However, Kissister has recently been shown to be more closely related to Paromalini, leaving Dendrophilini monotypic. Dendrophilus is quite plesiomorphic in the morphology of both male and female genitalia. However, externally it seems to exhibit characters allying it to more derived taxa (particularly Paromalini, traditionally included in the Dendrophilinae).

Dendrophilus is a Holarctic genus, containing 8 species. Most of them are generally associated with decomposing materials, especially compost. However, several species show inquilinism of various sorts. An association with birds’ nests is common in D. punctatus (Halstead, 1963); the American D. opacus was described from a Neotoma (wood rat) nest; and the European D. pygmaeus appears to be an obligate myrmecophile (with Formica rufa).

Characteristics

Species of Dendrophilus share labral setae, a fairly well developed anterior prosternal lobe, and fully exposed antennal cavities with Paromalini, Bacaniini, and Anapleini. The presence of well developed elytral striae separates Dendrophilus from the last two of those. The antennal club of Paromalini has outwardly arcuate annuli, whereas those of the antennae of Dendrophilus are inwardly arcuate.

Discussion of Phylogenetic Relationships

Given the phylogenetically interesting/ambiguous position of Dendrophilus in Histeridae, a careful study of variation and relationships among the known species would be very useful. But aside from a few regional treatments (Ross, 1940; Halstead, 1963; Ohara, 1994), the group has received little significant attention.

Title Illustrations

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Dendrophilini.
Authored by
Michael S. Caterino.
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